Copyright

[lelucina.livejournal.com]

okay...i read each of the posts in the memories section and have been searching online for at least an hour about this but still have no answer. how much must a photograph be changed in order to avoid copyright infringement? my situation: i convert regular photographs into stencils and paint them on stuff. i have recently been considering selling some of my pieces but do not want to break any copyright laws by doing so. i have not been able to find any solid facts or guidelines as far as how much a photograph must be changed to be considered a "new" piece of art. any help or guidance would be TRULY appreciated. thanks everyone!